For the first time in seven years, a date has been set for a continuation of talks between representatives of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and of Renewal In Missouri (RIM).
The Synod-RIM meeting has been set for Oct. 27-28 in St. Louis. RIM is an organization of individuals in the Synod who are involved in the charismatic movement.
The two groups have not met since early 1992, when they held the third in a series of discussions mandated by the 1989 convention. Talks centered on a 1988 report of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations that said certain statements in RIM materials were "not consistent with the doctrinal position of the Synod."
A report from the 1992 meeting presented points both of agreement and of continuing disagreement. Last year's Synod convention indicated a desire to bring the issue to a conclusion.
The 1998 convention resolved to "give thanks to God that some progress has been made in resolving the differences between the position of the Synod and of RIM." It also commended Synod President A.L. Barry for seeking additional talks and asked that he bring a report and recommendation to the 2001 convention "so that a God-pleasing conclusion may be brought to this matter."
(Ed. In a related item, Rev. Theodore Junkuntz, a founder and leader of RIM, is applying for readmission to the ministerium of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, according to the April Lutheran Witness. Comment regarding his request should be made in writing to the Secretary of Synod,
Rev. Dr. Raymond Hartwig,
It would be good if loyal LCMS pastors and lay people would take a few minutes to write Dr. Hartwig their opinions of allowing another bad apple back into a barrel with enough bad ones to spoil a dozen synods.)
Secretary of Synod
1333 S. Kirkwood
St Louis, MO 63122-7295